Borders and Lowlands
Why we love the Borders and Lowlands
Look no further for adrenaline-fuelled adventure, top-notch local seafood and escapism into mesmerising scenery. Brimming with peaks and valleys for two-wheeled adventures or for exploring with its furriest residents, the Borders and Lowlands is a haven for adventure seekers, food lovers and explorers. Within easy reach of northern England and direct routes to and from Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland’s Borders and Lowlands are waiting to be discovered by you.
An accessible coastal adventure
Take to North Berwick’s sandy coastline on an accessible adventure across its stunning beach. Head to the Beach Hut (book in advance) on the town’s harbour to hit the sands in a beach wheelchair. Check out the area’s jam-packed events calendar including Fringe by the Sea, bringing the spirit of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to the coast.
Pedal power
A mountain biker’s paradise, the Scottish Borders ups the adrenaline with its dramatic scenery and thrilling bike trails. From the area’s woody Tweed Valley to an intermediate off-road track in Innerleithen, you’re sure to pick up the pace on two wheels.
Tuck into seafood
Feast on fresh local seafood along East Lothian’s coastline. Grab lobster from a beach-side shack, or dine out with panoramic sea views and delicious freshly caught fish – let the flavours of Scotland’s waters tantalise your taste buds.
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The gateway into Scotland, the area packs the punch for outdoor adventure, with miles of cycling and hiking trails, paddleboarding and numerous golf courses.
Immerse yourself in nature at the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere reserve, an area recognised for its wildlife and diverse habitats.
Explore the vast east and west coastlines for stunning beaches, panoramic sea views and hiking trails, or swing by historic St Andrews, one of the oldest golf clubs in the world.
Take a tour of its heritage hotspots to discover an abundance of castles and stately homes, including Caerlaverock Castle, Craigmillar Castle and Floors Castle.
Fun fact
Fun fact
Golf is believed to have been invented in Scotland during the Middle Ages. St Andrew’s, in the Lowlands, is known as ‘The Home of Golf’ and has ten golf courses.
Did you know?
Did you know?
- Galloway Forest Park was named Britain’s first Dark Sky Park, a place with exceptionally dark night skies, joining just three others worldwide to offer rare and awe-inspiring stargazing conditions.
- The region is home to an abundance of wildlife – from golden eagles and red squirrels inland, to puffins and dolphins on the coast.
- Built in the shape of a triangle, Caerlaverock Castle, with its moat, twin towered gatehouse and imposing battlements is one of Scotland’s finest medieval fortresses.
- Covering over 2,000 square miles (5,200 square km), the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere is home to iconic wildlife and natural habitats which are recognised as being of international importance.
Things to do in the Borders and Lowlands
Featured things to do
Make a furry friend
Head out on an adventure with some of Scotland’s furriest residents on an alpaca walking experience by Galloway Alpacas. Located in the heart of the country’s UNESCO biosphere, expect picture-perfect scenery.
Learn more about alpaca walking
Up in the heights
Swing through the trees' canopies for a unique perspective of south Scotland. For the brave, Glentress Forest in Peebles is home to the highest zip wire in Scotland, which soars across a beautiful valley.
Learn more about treetop adventures
Look to the starry skies
Within Galloway and Southern Ayrshire’s unique UNESCO biosphere, you’ll find the skies filled with cosmic displays of our stars and solar system.
Learn more about stargazing
Taste malty flavour
Beyond the Isle of Arran’s rugged coastline and incredible scenery, there’s a world of malty goodness to discover. Join a whiskey tasting session at Lochranza Distillery.
Learn more about Lochranza DistilleryPlaces to stay in the Borders and Lowlands
Dumfries
Follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s favourite son, Robert Burns, in Dumfries. Embrace local hospitality in a family-run guesthouse or hunker down in luxury at a country house hotel. There’s also a smattering of cosy self-catering cottages for more independence.
Peebles
Only a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh, rural Peebles feels a world away from the capital. After a day hiking, biking or kayaking, choose from homely bed and breakfasts and hostels – or why not spend the night in a glamping tent or wigwam?
Melrose
The birthplace of rugby sevens, Melrose makes a great Borders base for the sports-inclined or green-fingered. Accommodation options range from Victorian coaching inns to the flexibility of touring caravan sites, as well as smart self-catered apartments.
Explore nearby
Getting to the Borders and Lowlands
Spanning the width of the nation, the Borders and Lowlands are easy to travel to and get around with rail routes, roads and even by bike. With Edinburgh just around the corner and Northumberland to the south, you’ll find taking that first step across the Scottish border is easier than ever. Through well-connected road networks and trains with East Coast Main Line between London and Edinburgh, now’s the time to take a trip to Scotland.
Getting around
Whether you’re choosing to travel by train, bus, car or bike – you can explore all what the Scottish Borders and Lowlands have to offer, from its vast rolling countryside to expansive coastline.
By bus
Enjoy the scenic views on public transport with the Lowlands and Borders bus services. Find bus routes along the Borders with Borders Buses, and in the popular Dumfries and Galloway area, use Stagecoach Bus for timetables and route updates.
By bike
Looking beyond the Borders and Lowlands' immense open space will lead you to a biking adventure. Follow a trail of expansive bike routes for trips to bike-friendly towns and beautiful landscapes.
By car
Getting around the Borders and Lowlands by car is simple. Being well-connected to England and main road networks leading to both Edinburgh and Glasgow means there’s no better time to jump in a car and explore the area. The Scottish Government is implementing a network of electric vehicle charging points across the Borders.
By train
Travel along the Borders Railway connecting places all along the southern reaches of Scotland. For train journeys through the Lowlands use ScotRail to help plan your journey. For an all-in-one ticket option, use the Borders Explorer pass, connecting you to and from Edinburgh alongside bus routes through villages and towns.
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Want to know more?
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